Whangamatā break-ins: Several Port Rd shops damaged, teen charged

Multiple Whangamatā shops have been damaged in a “destructive” series of break-ins overnight.

When Paradise Coast Barber owner Sammi Watts’ phone rang in the early hours, she had no idea what had unfolded.

By 2am, Watts was outside alongside seven neighbouring Port Rd business operators, all sweeping shattered glass from the pavement.

She described it as a “shitty thing” to wake up to.

Several stores, including Table Talk Whangamatā (pictured), were damaged in a series of break-ins overnight.

Watts said business owners helped each other clean up.

“There was just this real sense of community,” she said.

“Everyone just got a broom and got stuck in.”

She also praised the response from local police, thanking them for their work at the scene.

Whangamatā Craft Haus owner Phil Keogh was notified about the break-in at 1am and initially thought it was just a “destructive act”.

“There was a lot of glass. It seemed purely destructive – they grabbed a few tills, but there was no money in them.

Damage at Paradise Coast Barber.

“We’re all good.

“There’s been a huge outpouring of support from the community. It’s only glass, but it’s still a shock.”

Products were strewn across the floor of Table Talk Whangamatā, owner Julie Coombe said.

Coombe said it appeared someone initially tried to break through the safety glass at the front of the shop, before smashing the front door to gain entry.

She said only the till was taken but the shop was left with significant damage.

Teen arrested after police chase

Eastern Waikato Police area commander Inspector Mike Henwood said a man had been arrested in connection to a series of burglaries and a fleeing driver incident in Whangamatā.

“The alleged offender has taken several items, including cash, before police arrived at the scene.”

Henwood said police were tipped off by a passing witness who saw the incident unfolding and provided descriptions of an alleged offender and a vehicle.

“At around 2.30am, a vehicle has allegedly swerved to the other side of the road into the path of a police unit travelling on Tairua Rd.”

Henwood said police did not pursue the vehicle due to the manner of driving, however, they kept observing it.

He alleged police signalled the vehicle to stop and pulled it over, but it fled, and police pursued.

The vehicle then crashed on Waihī Whangamatā Rd and an 18-year-old man was arrested without incident or injuries, Henwood said.

The teen was due to appear in Hamilton District Court today, charged with six counts of burglary, failing to remain stopped, and reckless driving.

Police asked that anyone in the Whangamatā area at the time of this incident who may have seen any suspicious or unlawful behaviour contact police on 105, referencing 260505/7599.